Saturday, July 9, 2016

Who exactly is 'WE' and 'US'?
For more background on this topic look in the right-hand column for the red/white yard sign titled, The CAUT PAC scuttled the LW2020 bond to fix our streets & potholes or use this link.

We learned at this City Commission workshop that because Katie McGiveron's CAUT PAC scuttled the LW2020 bond to fix the roads and potholes BY JUST 25 VOTES in 2014 it will now cost $9 million more to fix the City's roads.

At the end of the City's workshop McGiveron went completely nuts to the shock of nearly everyone in the chamber and the meeting was shut down. At one point Vice Mayor Maxwell was heard saying, "Is there a doctor in the house?"
Very charming civilized behavior, isn't it?

Here is a playlist of the entire meeting which ended with the unhinged outburst shown above (use the "1/4" icon in the top left corner to switch between videos).
*A "Pinned Post" is kept at, or near, the top of the blog for a period of time as determined by Yours Truly. As always Thank You for visiting, Wes.

Katie McGiveron is Chair of the CAUT PAC which defeated the "LW2020" bond to fix Lake Worth's roads in 2014. To read about her outburst at the July 7th City Commission Workshop use this link. The latest news is the City has to spend $9 million more because of that failed vote, which lost by only 25 votes. You might remember this yard sign by CAUT:

Also, because of his "concerns" about sea level rise Commissioner Chris McVoy campaigned against the 2014 bond. The next time you go to
Publix, commissioner, try riding your bike on North 'J' Street. Good luck.

The latest meme by McGiveron and her supporters is "Charrette". The call for more charrettes by McGiveron and Commissioner Chris McVoy continued after the meeting as you'll see in the video below. Anyone can guess as to why the call for charrettes by McGiveron and McVoy wasn't made 2 years ago, a year ago, or even last week. But now, as the City moves forward with a plan to fix the problem, more delay tactics come to the fore.

At the 25 second mark in the video things start to get interesting. In the hallway after the meeting Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell tries to explain the situation to McGiveron but she has trouble grasping what's happening and doesn't seem to be listening to what Maxwell is saying. Citizen reporter Peggy Fisher caught all this on video and followed McGiveron into the conference room.

At the 55 second mark McGiveron says to Fisher, "Peggy please stop recording."

Fisher responds with two words, "public building."

As McGiveron and McVoy leave the room Fisher makes two observations:

"Maybe we can get Commissioner McVoy to point out what he proposed." And "I want to hear his [McVoy's] plan. I haven't heard his plan."

McVoy doesn't respond to Fisher because the answer is obvious: McVoy doesn't have a plan although he had 2 years to come up with one. The video is only two minutes long:
The citizens of Lake Worth are demanding that the roads be fixed. Three elected leaders are moving forward with a solution:

Mayor Pam Triolo

Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell

Commissioner Andy Amoroso

Two years is not quite long enough for these elected officials and they want more time*:

Commissioner Ryan Maier

Commissioner Chris McVoy

Now consider this information from The Palm Beach Post:

From a 2014 Post editorial supporting the "LW2020" bond: ". . . a chance for the city to turn that disappointing history on its head."

Post endorsements in the elections last March: ". . . current leadership has kept its eyes on the right goals. . .". And what shouldn't surprise anyone:

"(We are) delighted with the judge’s ruling that we did not violate the Sunshine Law," said county spokeswoman Electa Waddell in a statement. "Hendry County continues to stand by the rights provided to our property owners contained within the language of our comprehensive plan and land development code."

[and. . .]

The county maintained that as long as land is zoned for agriculture, any species could be allowed.“We are pleased with Judge Sloan’s ruling upholding our constant assertions that Hendry County did not violate Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law. Our legal team is to be commended, especially County Attorney Mark Lapp,” said Charles Chapman, county administrator, in the statement.

Friday, July 8, 2016

After you're finished reading the blog post below, return and use this link for Katie McGiveron's outburst at this meeting. McGiveron is Chair of the CAUT PAC that defeated the 2014 "LW2020" bond to fix the roads. Note that in the 2 years hence she and her colleagues have yet to offer any alternative to the "LW2020" bond.

Below is a playlist of the four videos* of what transpired at this workshop session on the condition of our City's roadways. At the top left-hand corner is the icon 1/4; use that to switch between the videos:

Click here for the back-up provided for the meeting on the City's website.

At the beginning of the meeting the Public Works Dir., Jamie Brown, outlined the condition of the City's better roads. He said that for the past two years the City continues to apply a variety of patches for potholes but this is not the ultimate solution. The City roads range in condition based upon the way they were constructed originally (techniques and quality vary widely), their use and age. You might remember this chart from the Lake Worth 2020 information:

Time is not the City's friend. It is estimated that, on average, a road loses 3 points of its Pavement Condition Index (see above) each year. There are two spreadsheets which compare road conditions and the resulting cost of repairs from 2014 and 2016. Those that were just above a PCI of 56 in 2014 are now below that level and require structural improvement, rather than just maintenance.

Cost for improving the "Better" Roads in 2014.

Cost for improving the "Better" roads in 2016.

What does this mean? It means that the cost of addressing the City's roads increased by $9 million since the bond vote failed by 25 votes in 2014. Those that "won" that vote had two years to come up with alternative proposals to address the problem. There is no doubt among Lake Worth residents that a problem exists. In fact, some of the most vocal critics are ones that supported a "No" vote on the bond issue. Here's one example in the form of a letter to the editor that appeared in The Palm Beach Post recently:

Do you feel much sympathy for this letter writer who worked so hard to defeat the "LW2020" bond in 2014?

Every day it costs everyone $12,328 more to address the problem. This is on top of those roads that were already identified as needing substantial improvement that would have been repaired by the bond issue.

How did those against the bond issue use their time since their victory in 2014? They complained and offered no alternatives even with the ball being completely in their court. Those two years could have beenused to do what was suggested by Commissioners Ryan Maier and Chris McVoy at last night's meeting. Maier and McVoy, along with their supporters, could have organized community meetings, charrettes, or any other out-of-the-box solution to a problem that is apparent to anyone that uses roads in this City.

But instead they did nothing.

I'd like to share a few observations on the term "charrette", a word used by Maier, McVoy, and McGiveron. You can hear Mrs. McGiveron's ranting tirade which closed the meeting in this video. Being a professional, certified urban planner I have been a participant in many charrettes and even facilitated some. We had a well-remembered community charrette at Compass when the City was considering going back to its own police department. A charrette is when a group of people come together to identify problems and address solutions. Usually, but not always, it's to address a redevelopment plan for a specific area.

Then why have a charrette when we already know what the problem is and how to fix it? The problem is poor roads and we need money. My opinion is the call for charrettes is a delay tactic. Why didn't Maier, McVoy, and McGiveron call for charrettes 2 years ago? A year ago? Six months ago or even a week ago?

We agree there is a problem and the roads need to be fixed. We agree that sidewalks need to be repaired and/or replaced. We agree that we need better bicycle infrastructure. We agree that utility work should be done at the time a road is redone so we don't end up spending extra money. The City performed an objective survey of the roadway condition. We know it will take a substantial amount of money—estimated between $40–$50 million. What is there really to discuss any more?

What ideas would come from "charrettes" other than more pages torn off the calendar—at a cost of $12,328 each day?

*Use this link for my Lake Worth YouTube channel. Click the red "subscribe" button to receive notice when new videos are posted.

The press release from the City is below. Of course, knowing how the media operates, some will respond by flooding the City with information requests. However, if they're hoping to rattle the City's new Communications Specialist, Laura Tingo, good luck with that as you'll read below.

If you're a regular reader of this blog you know how bad Lake Worth news reporting is, for example, look in the right-hand column for False media reports of crime/incidents 'in Lake Worth' continue or use this link.

Without further ado, meet our City's new Communications Czar:

The City of Lake Worth is pleased to announce Laura Tingo as its newly
appointed Communications Specialist. Tingo, who joined the City Manager’s staff, started her post July 5. In her new capacity, Tingo will serve as the primary contact for media requests and may be reached via e-mail at ltingo@lakeworth.org or by phone at 561-586-1631. Tingo brings to the position more than a decade of communications
management for several government and nonprofit organizations in Palm
Beach County. Her previous positions have included serving as Director
of Communications for the State of Florida Department of Children and
Families, Director of Marketing and Communications for American Red
Cross and Public Relations Coordinator for the Cultural Council of Palm
Beach County. Tingo has an extensive background as a print and
broadcast reporter in Florida and Illinois and also served as a member of the Florida National Guard.

Best of luck Laura Tingo and thank you for helping the City of Lake Worth communicate its message to City residents and everyone else concerned and interested in what's happening in this little 6 square mile City.

For the City's official Zoning Map, including municipal borders, use this link.

What a great July 4th weekend for Royal Poinciana. We raised over $200 between the dunk tank and beer tent. All proceeds go to playground equipment for the 5th Ave. South Greenway project.The board has decided to cancel July's meeting. However, we are moving future meetings to Couco Pazzo at 915 Lake Ave starting in August. They are a locally owned business for 13 years, have amazing food and a great family atmosphere. Meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:45.The August 17th guest speaker is City Commissioner Andy Amoroso. Please mark your calendar.We have a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday July 16th. Set up will be in front of 24 South 'C' Street. The focus will be on South 'C' and 'D' Streets and alleyways in between.

*The Royal Poinciana Neighborhood is Lucerne Avenue to 6th Ave. South and from Dixie Highway to I-95.

From now through July 30th at the Palm Beach County Cultural Council's main gallery are installations by Birds are Nice, Katelyn Spinelli, Nicole Galluccio, and the Viridis Collective. An excerpt from the article:

"In collaboration with the Center for Creative Education (CCE), this exhibition features middle school student art created under the mentorship of renowned children’s book author Robert Forbes and CCE teaching artist Craig McInnis. In this ten-week afterschool course, students from Rosarian Academy, BAK Middle School of the Arts, and Crestwood Middle School created original poetry and illustrations. An anthology of their poetry and illustrations will be for sale at the exhibition. Admission is free. The Cultural Council galleries, visitor information center and store are open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday."

This news item appeared on page B4, above the fold, in the July 8th (Thursday's) print edition of The Palm Beach Post:

"The public is consuming more news than ever. Can newspapers deliver it how they want it and where they want it? After nearly a decade of disruption, what does the future of newspapers look like?Join our panel of local newspaper executives to hear their answers and more about their vision for the Fourth Estate.The Chamber Breakfast will be held on July 13th from 7:45 to 9 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center."

To register use this link. The moderator is Dean Ridings, President & CEO of the Florida Press Association. The panel:

Thursday, July 7, 2016

"We are excited to partner with Palm Beach County's John Prince Park—A beautiful 726 acre park, easy access from I-95, onsite parking and a relaxing 48-acre campground complete with all the amenities. Our Internationally Award Winning Event continues the tradition of THE signature food and entertainment event in South Florida.

Garlic Fest continues its focus on local community group volunteer involvement with a dedicated team of 18 non-profit organizations comprised of 550 volunteers. The festivities include live national musical entertainment, artists & crafters, and garlic-infused cuisine that permeate the air.

Garlic Fest was started by a group of locals as a means to raise funds for local non-profit organizations dedicated to children's arts and education and is still run by those local organizations today!

The Garlic Fest is a gathering that renews communal spirit and it enriches the fabric of south Florida life. For more information visit our website and don't miss the 'Best Stinking Party in South Florida'."

If you cannot attend tonight's workshop but are interested in what is being addressed here is how you watch from home: At 6:00 use this link and look on right side of the page for "Video/Audio of Public Meetings". If the screen is blank wait a few minutes and try again. It's that easy.

Despite what you may have read or heard, this workshop is not "all about potholes". Here is the City's agenda:

City of Lake WorthCity Commission Work SessionThursday, July 7th, 6:00 PM1. Roll Call2. Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell3. Updates/Future Action/DirectionA. Infrastructure Oversight4. AdjournmentExecutive Brief: Public Services Staff is working with Community Sustainability’s GIS Division to develop maps for all of the new data. Due to the large scope of work, additional data will be provided prior to the meeting.

Did you know:

It's also about "ROADS AND ALLEYS". . .

. . . sidewalks, conduits, mains (water, sewer, and storm), and other infrastructure too. The City has more than just a "pothole problem".

The reason we have these problems is because "previous commissions have ignored the city's basic needs"; for example, dumping millions of dollars into the failed Casino at the beach:

From an editorial in The Palm Beach Post leading up to the failed LW2020 Bond vote to fix our City's infrastructure. The vote failed by 25 votes. Learn why using this link.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

This musical brings back the 1980's, when Aqua Net, Lycra, lace and liquor flowed freely. Featuring music by Bon Jovi, Styx, Journey and Whitesnake, it tells the story of aspiring rock star Drew and small-town girl Sherri as they work in one of the Sunset Strips last legendary rock and roll venues.Schedule:

Preview Night is Thursday, July 7, at 8:00 ($23 & $27)*

Opening Night is Friday, July 8, at 8:00 ($38: includes Opening Night Elegance)

Evening and Matinee Performances will run July 9–24, at 8:00 and 2:00 ($29 & $35)

Buy tickets online or call 561-586-6410.The Lake Worth Playhouse is a non-profit community theatre with a diverse array of offerings. The Playhouse is proud to offer a variety of educational programs for adults and children, as well as community outreach initiatives that bring cultural programs into the neighborhoods of under-served youth and also make theatre available free.

*Dinner & Show Night is July 7 and includes a 6:00 p.m. pre-show dinner at Paradiso prior to the 8:00 performance. The all-inclusive dinner/show package price is $72 and includes a three-course meal and premium seats.

From the Daily Mail is this unbelievable article titled, "What planet are you on, Leo? DiCaprio flies his LA friends 6,000 miles around the world so they can listen to his speech on GLOBAL WARMING":

When Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio hosts a reception for a string of A-list stars, supermodels and wealthy philanthropists later this month, he will make an impassioned plea for more action to be taken on global warming. But instead of holding the event in Los Angeles, where most of his guests are based, they will fly halfway around the world to the glitzy French resort of St Tropez – at enormous cost to the environment.

[and. . .]

In May, he flew by private jet to New York from France, where he had been attending the Cannes Film Festival, to receive a ‘green’ award – before flying back the following day.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

[Take Note: The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council will update the public on the Blueway Trail at the City Commission on Tuesday, July 19th.]

Below the video are excerpts from this meeting (some very pertinent to Lake Worth) posted on the "Chain of Lakes Blueway Trail Project" website:The meeting was held at the South Florida Water Management District
headquarters, from approximately 10:30 am to 11:45 am on May 10, 2016.Pete
Antenucci, Executive Director of the Water Management District, made a
brief visit to welcome the Coalition to the District headquarters and to
express the willingness of the District to continue participating and
assisting in the effort towards making a boat lift adjacent to the S-
155 [Spillway] Control Structure a success.The following topics were discussed:Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council:Kim Delaney outlined the timetable and deliverables that are currently being discussed and negotiated with the Department of Economic Opportunity. The Cities of Lake Worth and West Palm Beach were asked to participate by having someone from their respective engineering departments serve as part of a review and selection committee within TCRPC. Boat Lift Working Group:Chuck Collins explained the pros and cons of different types of lift apparatus and which would be most appropriate and compatible with the Flood Control Structure.Fishing Piers:The fishing piers on the north and south side of the C-51 are currently closed due to disrepair. The prospect of repairing the south side dock for temporary use for fisherman was rejected by the city officials from Lake Worth.Communications and Community Outreach:John Studdard from Big Couch Media was introduced and recognized for his willingness to form and lead a new working group which will focus upon the overall communications and social media for the Blueway Trail.Blueway Trail Connectivity:Riviera Beach Councilwoman Dawn Pardo agreed to chair a working group whose goal would be to begin linking conceptually the Chain of Lakes to the waterways and greenways between Lake Worth and John D. McArthur State Park. Misc.:The City of Lake Worth formally requested a Blueway Trail presentation at an upcoming City Council Meeting.Attendees:Dan Clark, City of Lake Clarke ShoresChuck Collins, MIA PBCLaura Corry, SFWMDLucine Dadrian, SFWMDKim Delaney, TCRPCFelicia Goldstein, Cong. Lois FrankelDorothy Gravelin, Town of Cloud LakeJeff Green, West Palm BeachElaine Higgins, Rep. Dave KernerMark Hightower, WPB Fishing ClubJim Karas, Keith & SchnarsDelores Key, Lake WorthComm. Shanon Materio, West Palm BeachJean Mathews, PBC Parks Dpt.Richard Pinsky, Akerman, LLCMelissa Santoro, Senator ClemensJoseph Sophie, PBC Leg AffairsJohn Studdard, Big Couch Media GroupTeri Swartz, SFWMDMayor Pam Triolo, Lake Worth

The answer to the question, "Is the algae toxic in Lake Worth" is below. First, here are some excerpts from CBS12/WPEC's Mike Magnoli from June 25th:

Test samples are back at the lab and scientists are trying to figure out just how bad this could be. [emphasis added] Results will be released next week.

[and. . .]

Some call it the "green tide."

[and a warning for amateur photographers. . .]

For the past few weeks and until July 15th amateur photographers are flocking here --for the Lake Worth Lagoon photo contest. The winners will be featured in a 2017 calendar. Those trying to get winning snapshots shouldn't get too close to the algae.

Heavy sigh.

Well, guess what? Following the July 4th holiday weekend CBS12's Chuck Weber has the latest:

The latest test results released by the state Department of Environmental Protection still show very low algae concentrations in Palm Beach County-- readings way below levels posing a health threat.

[and. . .]

Back in Palm Beach County, at the first location toxic algae was reported and confirmed at a low level, the sample from last week detected no toxins in the water.At the Lake Worth Spillway, though, a sample did show several algaes, but again at very low levels.

So, did you change your holiday plans because of what you saw on the TV news?

Is Siemens Corporation taking over the City's electric utility? No. Read below how the rumor mill gets rolling and the effort to confuse the public about the City's street lighting project continues.

Commissioner Ryan Maier heard a rumor that Siemens was going to take over the operation of the City's electric utility. He saw this on Facebook or a blog and it's completely false. Instead of quelling this rumor himself, which is what a responsible elected official would do, he gives the rumor even more legitimacy by airing it on the dais. At the 45-second mark in the video below, the city manager figures out what Maier is doing and puts a quick stop to it:

This exchange happened in the City Commission chambers vis-à-vis the presentation by Siemens and the "Performance Contracting Project Update".

Maier thought there was a conspiracy of some sort and maybe still does. The reality is much different as the city manager explained.

At the 4:30 mark Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell makes reference to "black helicopters" which got a chuckle from the dais and the assembled in the chambers. Make sure to listen to what Bornstein says at the 5:05 mark. The city manager ends his explanation with this line, "I hope that helps."

LAKE WORTH, FL—Approximately 5,000 square feet, second floor location. Newly 'renovated' landmark building. Not historic but meant to look that way. Finish space to your liking. Flexible rent and terms, plans range from 20- to 50-year amortizations, possible balloon payment at end of lease. Lease no longer than 19 years and 364 days. Free water after rains; encouraged to create your own rain harvesting device for sustainability. Air conditioning optional and plenty of doors that open for ventilation; the ones that are still operational. Watch out for high seasonal winds! Parking slightly inconvenient, bread crumbs can be used to lead visitors back to their vehicles. Elevator building! Mystery pool nearby, fenced off from building, people can be seen using it, but how to get in? Over time you'll figure out the design and create maps. Check moon phase chart and sundial for hours of operation. All loading and unloading of vehicles outside of building in front of tourists eating; SO MAKE IT QUICK. Sometimes noisy parties next door. Ear plugs not included in lease. Bathrooms outside and to the right. Great space for creative person to make their own! Proposals accepted 24/7/365.Other things to consider:

Check with your insurance carrier. Building operating under temporary certificate of occupancy.

Blenders of any kind ARE PROHIBITED (will blow electric circuits).

No one else wants this space. Little competition.

Prepare for extended negotiations; might go late into the evening for months on end.

All communications between lessor and lessee public information.

Prepare for uninvited visits from many, no question is off-limits. Can be personal in nature.

Preference given to "Mother Teresa" types, vegetarians, those with a lengthy history protesting FPL, and of course the lovers of turtles (who isn't!).

Brokers and anyone else—not protected.

Best way to respond to advertisement: smoke signals.

Owner of space NOT RESPONSIBLE for water damage; please have access to pallets, waders, and flotation devices.

This video starts off with Lake Worth business owner and West Palm Beach Commissioner Shanon Materio in her kayak paddling for Compass. After much jockeying and instructions from Mary Lindsey and Jon Faust the race finally gets underway at the 3:00 mark. On the other side of the pool you'll see glimpses of Flolfie who is thought responsible for the Blue-Green Algae Crisis.

At the 4:20 mark is the first act of sabotage. Anthony Marotta, kayaking for Parrot Cove, is flipped over. Greg Rice, the race announcer screams, "I smell a rat!" In the end the referees gave the win to Anthony.

Use this link for more information: "The vision for the Chain of Lakes Blueway Trail experience is to finally
link Palm Beach County waterways by providing two-way access for small
boats and non-motorized watercraft between the Chain of Lakes, Lake
Worth Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway, which is just a few hundred
yards away. In Palm Beach County, 80 percent of registered small boats
meet this criteria – and that doesn’t include the thousands of kayakers, paddleboarders, canoers and others who use the local waterways every year."

A classic photoshop by the inimitable Tom McGow. Learn more using this link.

Here is the flyer from 2009 for the "Fishing Contest and Free Barbeque".

Tom McGow wrote this about the July 4th 'tradition'/political fundraiser back in 2009 that's been forgotten in the annals of Lake Worth history:

"The announcement encourages donations of time or money to help the event. I question the fact that you are being asked to donate to a Political Action Committee to fund the picnic. I am also concerned that since Mr. McNamara is running for Mayor the picnic is also a campaign event, no matter how he flips the burgers. Shouldn’t there also be a disclaimer to that effect?I’ll pass on the 'free' hot dogs this year."